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Alaska Science Center

The mission of the Alaska Science Center is to provide objective and timely data, information, and research findings about the earth and its flora and fauna to Federal, State, and local resource managers and the public to support sound decisions regarding natural resources, natural hazards, and ecosystems in Alaska and circumpolar regions. We have offices in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks. 

News

Celebrating Black History: Meet Ric Wilson, A Pioneer of Alaskan Geo-Mapping

Celebrating Black History: Meet Ric Wilson, A Pioneer of Alaskan Geo-Mapping

Latest science findings from Ocean Ecology Research to be presented at Conferences in February 2024

Latest science findings from Ocean Ecology Research to be presented at Conferences in February 2024

Charismatic Wildlife and the Charismatic Women who Study Them

Charismatic Wildlife and the Charismatic Women who Study Them

Publications

Quantifying spatiotemporal variation of nearshore forage fish schools with aerial surveys in Prince William Sound, Alaska

ObjectiveChanges in abundance and distribution of schooling forage fish, such as the Pacific Sand Lance Ammodytes hexapterus and Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii, can be difficult to document using traditional boat-based methods, especially in the shallow, nearshore habitats frequented by these species. In contrast, nearshore fish schools are easily observed and quantified from aircraft when light
Authors
Daniel Stephen Donnelly, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Scott Pegau, John F. Piatt

Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models

The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PC
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey

The post-emergence period for denning polar bears: Phenology and influence on cub survival

Among polar bears (Ursus maritimus), only parturient females den for extended periods, emerging from maternal dens in spring after having substantially depleted their energy reserves during a fast that can exceed 8 months. Although den emergence coincides with a period of increasing prey availability, polar bears typically do not depart immediately to hunt, but instead remain at the den for up to
Authors
Erik Andersen, Ryan R. Wilson, Karyn D. Rode, George M. Durner, Todd C. Atwood, David Gustine

Science

Alaska Science Center Weekly Findings In-Depth

Descriptions of the full Weekly Findings and links to more information.
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Alaska Science Center Weekly Findings In-Depth

Descriptions of the full Weekly Findings and links to more information.
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Alaska Science Center Weekly Findings

Recent findings by USGS Alaska Science Center staff and their collaborators, updated weekly.
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Alaska Science Center Weekly Findings

Recent findings by USGS Alaska Science Center staff and their collaborators, updated weekly.
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Hazards in Alaska

A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important...
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Hazards in Alaska

A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important...
Learn More